If there’s a vegetable of the moment, right now it would be butternut squash. Prized for its natural sweetness and vibrant colour, this winter favourite is as versatile as a potato in the kitchen. Steam, fry, roast, bake, simmer — it’s delicious in all its variations. If you haven’t already, bring home a butternut squash (or two) today and turn it into the centerpiece for your next meal.

16 ways to use one butternut squash

Facebook

Twitter

Pinterest

+

of

Cinnamon Pecan Roasted Butternut Squash

Rack of lamb, brined turkey, roast pork — whatever your meaty main may be, it will be perfectly at home with candy-like cubes of this on the side. Maple syrup brings the sweetness, while nutmeg and cinnamon add warmth.

Parmesan Butternut Squash Gratin

Kids not a fan of squash? This recipe will change their feelings. Dusted with a panko mixture amped up with fresh herbs and Parmesan, then tossed with garlic butter, it's hard for the squash to turn into anything other than lip-smackingly good.

Ladies and gentlemen, meet your next party star. Crunchy, sweet, earthy — this recipe ticks all the right boxes when it comes to complementary flavours. Make sure the squash and nuts are cooled before tossing or the spinach will wilt.

Roasted Butternut Squash Risotto

Italian comfort food gets a seasonal update, adding a fresh dash of sweetness to the creamy Parmesan-spiked rice. Two textures of squash—diced and chopped—add an interesting dimension to the finished dish.

Butternut Squash Fritters

Blogger Kelly sold this recipe easily to us. “They're hot, crispy, salty and the ultimate way to sneak squash onto the plates of even the most veggie-averse eaters," she writes. We'll take a whole stack, thank you.

Butternut Squash Mac n Cheese

Here's another one for the fussy eaters. It looks like it came from a box, but it's a simple, wholesome recipe made with just six ingredients: butternut squash, pasta, milk, cheddar cheese, butter. GET THE RECIPE HEREMy Fussy Eater

Butternut Squash Fries

Skip the drive-through window and get working on these instead when a fast food craving hits. With just three ingredients and 30 minutes of cooking time, you'll have a sweet snack that won't make you feel guilty at all.

Skinny Butternut Squash & Apple Soup

Beautiful step-by-step instructions make you feel like blogger Amanda is in the kitchen with you. Fragrant with sage, thyme and garlic, the soup is great as is but also pairs well with toppings of pesto, bacon and roasted pumpkin seeds.

Ricotta & Spinach-Stuffed Shells with Butternut Squash Sauce

If you're not a fan of tomato pasta sauce, this recipe will soon be your fave. Plump pasta shells get nestled in a silky squash sauce blended with red onion and chilli flakes for extra sass. Try and pretend you don't want seconds, we dare you!

Twice Baked Butternut Squash

You know twice-baked potatoes? This is a variation of it. Goat cheese, sage and Greek yogurt add richness to the roasted squash mash before its loaded back into its skin and baked with a crown of panko. Delish!

Mashed Butternut Squash with Goat Cheese and Rosemary

Give potatoes a break this year and switch things up with this side. Just as easy to make as regular mash, this one gets a gourmet upgrade with earthy rosemary and sharp goat cheese. And how can you not love that gorgeous colour?

When you need to really impress your guests, let this recipe do all the talking for you. It does take an hour and a half, but the end result will guarantee a pat on your back. Follow along with blogger Tieghan's video to make it easier.

Butternut Squash Enchilada Casserole

Show up everyone at the next potluck with this vegetarian contribution that everyone (almost, sorry vegans) can eat. Layers of squash, black beans, tortillas, peppers and enchilada sauce come together for a fiesta in every bite.

Butternut Squash Quinoa Chili

Going vegan is easy with recipes like this. We love that it can be made in a slow cooker as well. That means throw everything into it and let it cook for six hours. Redolent of cumin, chipotle and spices, the squash really shines in this dish.

The Best Butternut Squash Curry

A big pot of curry and rice is much welcome on a chilly day. Warmed up with mustard and fennel seeds, along with ground coriander and fresh ginger, the squash gets pureed before being served with garnishes of coconut, peanuts and chutney.

Butternut Squash Noodles in Sage Brown Butter

Spiralizer fans, this one is for you. The classic flavour pairings of sage, butter and butternut squash are decorated with Parmesan for a light and tasty main that won't make you miss the meat. Vegetarian guests will applaud you!